Freeborn County Fair Announcement for 2021
After much consideration, the 2021 Freeborn County Fair in Albert Lea, MN, has been cancelled.
Along with concern for the safety of the public, the Fair Board is also responsible for the financial stability
of the Fair to ensure it will be able to continue for many years to come. The COVID 19 restrictions currently
in place from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Governor’s office limit the number of attendees
at both indoor and outdoor entertainment events.
A decision had to be made at this time to avoid the large expense of entertainment, as there is no
guarantee when restrictions will be lifted. The Entertainment contracts alone, along with stage, sound and
lights are $300,000. Income received from various events held throughout the year at the fairgrounds is
also used to offset fair expenses. There hasn’t been any event income because the fairgrounds has been
closed by Freeborn County since May, 2020.
According to Manager Mike Woitas, “This is a very difficult decision that the Board and I had to make, not
taking it lightly. We understand that people want to get out and enjoy the Fair, but planning for a
successful fair at this time when there isn’t any guarantee the restrictions will be lifted, would jeopardize
the fair for years to come.”
The Board is working with 4-H for some type of show for Livestock and Non-Livestock kids.